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Lost in Japan

€2,695

Lost in Japan takes you on a journey through the spiritual temples of Koyasan, hidden valleys and remote villages of Shikoku, and the must-see cities of Kyoto and Tokyo. Shikoku Island, the smallest of the four main islands, enjoys less populated towns and villages and is an excellent place to experience unique cultural traditions while meeting friendly locals and traveling along stunning scenic routes. Awa Odori Festival in Tokushima is not to be missed if you plan on traveling in August. One of Japan’s largest street festivals, it attracts more than one million visitors every year.

Home safe and sound after an amazing trip ( apart from washing our passports ). All the information and travel directions provided worked really well and we didn't have any real travel problems. Our favourite place was Miyajima and the Watanabe Inn was faultless. All the hotels were great but the Sheraton in Hiroshima was especially nice with big rooms and excellent service. Our least favourite place was Takamatsu who's best days seem a bit behind it.Thank you for the hard work in getting our trip together.Steve & Pete

Tour Highlights

Koyasan

Upon arrival you will spend two culturally inspired nights in Kyoto, the ancient capital, before starting your real ‘Lost in Japan’ adventure when you set out for Koyasan (Mt Koya). Set on the summit of Koyasan, 1000m above sea-level, is the mausoleum of Buddhist saint Kobo Daishi. You will travel here by local trains and mountain tram. Our local guide will meet you on arrival and assist you with checking-in to your temple lodge before taking a stroll around the village. They will provide you with insight into Japan’s two main religions: Buddhism & Shinto. Overnight at one of Koyasan’s 110 Temple Lodges (shokubo) where monks have lived and worked for hundreds of years, serving pilgrims who have completed the eight-eight temple pilgrimmage route.

Tokushima & the Iya Valley

Wake up before sunrise to the ringing bells calling you to join the monks morning meditation. After breakfast, you will sail as far as Tokushima on Shikoku Island. You will be met by our local Shikoku guide who swill spend the next few days traveling with you through the valleys and introducing you to Awa Odori traditional dance. A true highlight while in Shikoku is a day-trip around the Iya Valley. This stunning remote setting is centered along the ten kilometer Iya River, and is known as one of the three largest hidden mountain ranges in Japan. Take a boat ride along the river, cross the Vine Bridge, and stop off in the traditional town of Kotohira.

Takamatsu & Naoshima Island

Takamatsu, a pretty port town facing the inland sea, is home to the wonderful Ritsurin Garden among other attractions. Two nights here will give you the option to take a day-trip to Naoshima, an island two hours from Takamatsu renowned for its collection of modern art museums, architecture, and sculpture exhibits. A trip to Naoshima will undoubtedly appeal to those who enjoy modern art and alternative design. The wonderful aesthetic of the island was created from a desire to produce a new kind of space and experience, by juxtaposing contemporary art and architecture against the beautiful backdrop of Naoshima’s natural ecology. The results are incredible with the Chichi Museum, Benesse House, and Lee Ufan Museum being a few of the highlights. Also, if you are a James Bond fan, don’t miss the chance to visit Naoshima’s oddly esoteric 007 Museum.

Dogo Onsen & Matsuyama

Matsuyama, Shikoku’s largest city, is home to one of Japan’s finest feudal castles, as well as its oldest onsen village, Dogo Onsen. The main onsen building was erected in 1894 and was designated an important cultural site in 1994.

Miyajima Island

Home to the World Heritage Itsukushima Shrine, also known as the floating shrine, Miyajima Island is located across the water from Matsuyama. Hop across to Hiroshima by local ferry, continuing on to Miyajima after a brief stop at the Peace Park, before settling into a traditional ryokan on this peaceful island.

Tokyo

Finally you will make your way back to the capital, Tokyo. Our local guide will meet you on one of these days and show you around this massive and marvelous city. Tokyo is a city that refuses easy definition.The never-ending hustle-and-bustle of the city creates an energy that is quite contagious. Despite the incredible number of people constantly moving around the city, there is an order that allows everything work efficiently. Towering skyscrapers dominate the skyline in Shinjuku, Ginza is a shopping Mecca, Shibuya displays all the newest trends and fashions, and Asakuse provides a taste of old Tokyo.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Kyoto Arrival

Arrive in Kansai International Airport
Transfer to your hotel
Free time in Kyoto (we will provide a recommended itinerary in your Travel Pack)

Day 2 - Kyoto Guided Tour

Breakfast at your hotel
Meet your local guide at your hotel lobby
Exchange your Japan Rail Pass with guide
Full day sightseeing with guide using public transport (Lunch & entrance fees paid on the spot)

Tea ceremony at local machiya

Day 3 - Kyoto to Koyasan

Breakfast at your hotel
Transfer to Koyasan

Explore Koyasan using the Koyasan World Heritage Pass

Stay the night in a temple

Day 4 - Koyasan to Tokushima

Breakfast with the monks
Transfer to Wakayama from where you will ride the ferry to Tokushima

Day 11 - Hiroshima to Tokyo

Day 12 - Tokyo Guided Tour

Day 13 - Tokyo Free Day

Breakfast at your hotel
Day at Leisure spent walking the area as far as Harajuku,
Omotesando and Yoyogi Park! Best visited on a Sunday!

Day 14 - Tokyo Departure

Breakfast at your hotel

Travel by bus to Tokyo Narita or Haneda Airport
Depart Japan

Inclusions and/or Prices

Service

Standard

Superior

Deluxe

Airport Transfers (Arrival & departure / door to door service)

Mini-van or Limousine Bus

Mini-van or Limousine Bus

Private Vehicle

Accommodation

3 Star Western x 9 nights

Standard Ryokans x 3 nights

Temple Stay x 1 night

4 Star Western x 9 nights

Superior Ryokans x 3 nights

Temple Stay x 1 night

5 Star Western x 9 nights

Deluxe Ryokans x 3 nights

Temple Stay x 1 night

Meals

13 breakfasts, 1 lunch + 3 dinners

13 breakfasts, 1 lunch + 3 dinners

13 breakfasts, 1 lunch + 3 dinners

Transport

Public transport inc. 7 day Ordinary Japan Rail Pass

Public transport inc. 7 day Ordinary Japan Rail Pass

Public transport inc. 7 day Green Japan Rail Pass.

Full day private vehicle in Tokyo & Kyoto

Tokyo Guide

Included

Included

Included

Kyoto Guide

Included

Included

Included

Authentic Tea Ceremony

Shared Tea Ceremony

Private Tea Ceremony + Geisha Meet & Greet

Private Tea Ceremony + Geisha Meet & Greet

Hiroshima & Miyajima Guide

Optional Extra

Optional Extra

4 Hours Private Service Included

UJT’s Essential Travel Pack

Included – 2 weeks prior to departure

Included – 2 weeks prior to departure

Included – 2 weeks prior to departure

Per Person Prices from:

Tour Category

EUR

GBP

US$

AU$

Standard

€1,800

£1,500

$2,100

$2,700 AUD

Superior

€TBC

£TBC

$TBC

$TBC AUD

Deluxe

€TBC

£TBC

$TBC

$TBC AUD

Prices quoted are based on two people sharing a Twin or Double Room. Single Travellers may incur a supplement, depending on hotel category and availabilty of Single Occupancy Rooms. Exchange rate fluctuations may lead to price changes. All prices are based on July 2015 exchange rates. Peak Season Supplements Apply: Cherry Blossom Season, Autumn Leaf Season, National Holiday Weekends Inside Japan.

2. Pay deposit*

3. Pay deposit later

If you have more questions and prefer to pay this after seeing a detailed quotation and itinerary, simply fill out the “Got a question?” form below and one of our Japan Travel Consultants will be in touch with you right away and work with you until you are happy with the plans for you and your travel partners.

4. Tour Confirmation (takes 5-7 working days upon receipt of tour deposit)

6. Receive your Essential Travel Pack

Our custom made essential Travel Pack will be sent to your home address (worldwide) 2-3 weeks before your departure date.
If your starting date is less than 2 weeks from booking, you will receive it on arrival in Japan.

Home safe and sound after an amazing trip ( apart from washing our passports ). All the information and travel directions provided worked really well and we didn't have any real travel problems. Our favourite place was Miyajima and the Watanabe Inn was faultless. All the hotels were great but the Sheraton in Hiroshima was especially nice with big rooms and excellent service. Our least favourite place was Takamatsu who's best days seem a bit behind it.Thank you for the hard work in getting our trip together.Steve & Pete

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